Honduras Rises Five Places in Global Peace Index

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Honduras has improved its national safety more than any Caribbean or Central American country, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), recently release by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Honduras rose five places in the 163 country index.

"Honduras is working hard to defend the rights and safety of its citizens by confronting transnational crime and delinquency in all its forms," stated Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández. "According to the GPI, Honduras is no longer among the world's most violent countries. Achieving this has not been easy, but we are proud of our accomplishments and committed to further advancing our national wellbeing."

Released annually, the GPI analyzes 23 indicators of peace including domestic security, scope of internal conflicts, and degree of militarization. The index reports that Honduras has "benefitted from government efforts to combat crime," and notes that the country is becoming more peaceful "thanks to improvements in political violence, strong anti-corruption policies, financial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, and impact of terrorism [indicators]."

The GPI also credits Honduras with confronting regional security challenges through the Alliance for Prosperity, a plan to stem U.S. migration from the Northern Triangle.

The new ranking follows a wave of successful anticorruption efforts in Honduras. Between 2011 and 2015, Honduras' homicide rate dropped 30 percent. And between January and June, the country experienced a historic reduction in homicides compared to the same period last year.

Overall, the global state of peace and safety rose this year, according to the GPI report.

Syria held its spot as the most dangerous country in the world, while Iceland remained the most peaceful.

"The fact that Honduras is showing improvement in a highly professional and independent report is noteworthy," said President Hernández. "Through diligence and hard work we have reduced violent crime, removed corrupt officials, and promoted peace throughout the country. We are delivering tangible results to our people."

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SOURCE Republic of Honduras